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President's Column | March 2026

March always feels like that in‑between month—still winter on the calendar, but you can almost feel everything starting to wake up again. Here in Wisconsin, we’re still dealing with the dry air, the cold wind, and that classic “winter itch” that every DermPA knows all too well. But even with the snow hanging on, there’s a gentle shift in the air. The mornings feel a little brighter, the days stretch just a bit longer, and there’s a quiet sense of renewal that’s hard to ignore.

Optimal Team Practice

The physician assistant (PA) profession has been around for 50 years and PAs are found in all areas of medicine including dermatology. Envisioned to address a shortage of physicians and based on the fast-track training of physicians during World War II, this profession started with former military medics who had a lot of experience, but no civilian opportunities to use that experience.

Highlights from the SDPA Leadership Summit

The SDPA Board of directors and Committee Chairs recently met, August 9-12th, in Banff, Canada, for their annual Leadership Summit. Not only was the location majestic but the meeting was empowering. This year was aimed at team building and positivity.

New President's Message | Joleen Volz

The new SDPA president thanks outgoing president Jane Mast for her dedicated service and highlights the challenges and opportunities facing dermatology PAs. Looking ahead, the SDPA aims to strengthen advocacy efforts, expand PR outreach, and encourage members to actively support legislation and participate in leadership.

New Member Benefit | Personalized Patient Education Mobile App

Today’s patients often arrive at their appointment knowing nothing about their condition and treatment– or they may also be misinformed from faulty information on the Internet. To address this problem, digital health company Vivacare provides medical professionals with a customizable mobile app for patient education and engagement.

Coming Soon! DPAF 2018 Charitable Run/Walk

Registration for the DPAF's Annual Charitable Run/Walk opens June 28th! This year the annual charitable run/walk will be in honor of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) with all net proceeds going to the HS Foundation. Registration online opens Thursday, June 28th and launches at the Summer Conference at the DPAF booth as well. There are two great ways to participate, visit the DPAF website for more information.

 

Get ready for the SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference in Seattle!

We have an exciting conference planned, including:

Events, Receptions and Parties oh my! | We’ve planned several great events for this year’s summer conference that provide amazing opportunities for networking and fun with your fellow attendees, including an Arrival Reception on Wednesday, June 27th, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM – the perfect way to kick-off the conference and your evening in Seattle.

New Grad? New Membership Category.

Now that you’ve graduated, remember that you qualify to upgrade to either Associate or Fellow membership.

SDPA & AAPA Respond: JAMA Dermatology Study Fundamentally Flawed

JAMA Dermatology Study Fundamentally Flawed: SDPA & AAPA Respond... Read the full response on Dermcast.tv

AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit Recap & the Importance of Donating to the PA PAC

The PA PAC is a bipartisan political action committee of the AAPA. It is the only federal PAC that is dedicated to advancing the PA profession. The mission of the PA PAC is to allow individual PAs to share in the opportunity to support federal candidates for Congress who have demonstrated their belief and understanding of the principles to which the PA profession is dedicated.

Wrapping Up My Year as President & Looking Ahead | Jane Mast

As my year as SDPA President ends, I am grateful for your dedication advancing our profession despite a challenging year. Now is the time for all of us to stay involved and defend dermatology PAs to protect and propel our profession forward.

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